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Tama Toshi Monorail Line
View on WikipediaTama Toshi Monorail Line | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Owner | Tokyo Tama Intercity Monorail Co., Ltd, owned mostly by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (79.9%) |
| Locale | Western Tokyo, Japan |
| Termini | |
| Stations | 19 |
| Website | www |
| Service | |
| Type | Straddle-beam monorail (Alweg‑type) |
| Rolling stock | 1000 series |
| Daily ridership | 131,782 (JFY23)[1] |
| History | |
| Opened | 27 November 1998 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 16.0 km (9.94 mi) |
| Electrification | Contact rails, 1,500 V DC |
| Operating speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
The Tama Toshi Monorail Line (Japanese: 多摩都市モノレール線, Hepburn: Tamatoshi Monorēru-sen) is a straddle-beam, Alweg-type monorail line in Western Tokyo. Operated by the Tokyo Tama Intercity Monorail Co., Ltd., the double tracked, 16.0 km (9.9 mi) monorail line carries passengers between the suburban cities of Higashiyamato and Tama via Tachikawa, Hino, and Hachiōji in 36 minutes.
Tachikawa-Kita, Tachikawa-Minami, and Tama-Center stations are the most important stations, enabling transfer at Tachikawa to JR East's Chūō Main Line and at Tama-Center to the Odakyu Tama Line and Keio Sagamihara Line.
Tourist venues along the line include Tama Zoo and Keio Rail-Land (a railway museum), both adjacent to Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station.
Stations
[edit]All stations are located in Tokyo. Most stations have an associated shape/image (as seen in the left-most column of the table below).
| Station | Distance | Transfers | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Minutes | |||||
| TT-19 | Kamikitadai | 0.0 km (0 mi) | 0 | Higashiyamato | ||
| TT-18 | Sakura-Kaidō | 0.7 km (0.43 mi) | 2 | |||
| TT-17 | Tamagawa-Jōsui | 1.5 km (0.93 mi) | 4 | |||
| TT-16 | Sunagawa-Nanaban | 2.5 km (1.6 mi) | 6 | Tachikawa | ||
| TT-15 | Izumi-Taiikukan | 3.0 km (1.9 mi) | 7 | |||
| TT-14 | Tachihi | 3.6 km (2.2 mi) | 9 | |||
| TT-13 | Takamatsu | 4.2 km (2.6 mi) | 10 | |||
| TT-12 | Tachikawa-Kita | 5.4 km (3.4 mi) | 13 |
| ||
| TT-11 | Tachikawa-Minami | 5.8 km (3.6 mi) | 14 | |||
| TT-10 | Shibasaki-Taiikukan | 6.5 km (4.0 mi) | 16 | |||
| TT-09 | Kōshū-Kaidō | 8.0 km (5.0 mi) | 19 | Hino | ||
| TT-08 | Manganji | 9.3 km (5.8 mi) | 21 | |||
| TT-07 | Takahatafudō | 10.5 km (6.5 mi) | 24 | KO Keiō Line (KO29) KO Keiō Dōbutsuen Line (KO29) | ||
| TT-06 | Hodokubo | 11.3 km (7.0 mi) | 26 | |||
| TT-05 | Tama-Dōbutsukōen | 12.3 km (7.6 mi) | 28 | KO Keiō Dōbutsuen Line (KO47) | ||
| TT-04 | Chūō-Daigaku-Meisei-Daigaku | 13.4 km (8.3 mi) | 30 | Hachiōji | ||
| TT-03 | Ōtsuka Teikyo-Daigaku | 14.3 km (8.9 mi) | 32 | |||
| TT-02 | Matsugaya | 15.1 km (9.4 mi) | 34 | |||
| TT-01 | Tama-Center | 16.0 km (9.9 mi) | 36 | KO Keiō Sagamihara Line (KO41) OT Odakyu Tama Line (OT06) |
Tama | |
History
[edit]The line opened in two phases. The section from Kamikitadai to Tachikawa-Kita opened in November 1998 while the section south to Tama-Center opened in January 2000.[2]
Station numbering was introduced to all stations in February 2018.[3]
Future plans
[edit]As of October 2022, there are plans to extend the route. One route is an extension north from the current terminus at Kamikitadai to Hakonegasaki Station on the Hachiko Line. The other two are southbound extensions from Tama-Center to Hachioji and Machida respectively.
Kamikitadai to Hakonegasaki
[edit]In 2016, a proposal was made to extend the line from the current northern terminus at Kamikitadai Station to Hakonegasaki Station on the Hachikō Line.[4] The planned extension to Hakonegasaki had been considered since planning for the entire route began in 1981.[5] The seven-station extension will be 7 km (4.3 mi) long and is projected to cost ¥80 billion (2021) (equivalent to ¥87 billion or US$574.74 million in 2024)[6]. In May 2025, Tama Toshi Monorail received a patent for extension work from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the extension was projected to cost ¥129 billion (2024) (US$852.24 million). As of May 2025, it is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s.[7]
Construction of the extension to Hakonegasaki was approved on 27 November 2025.[8] The cost has since risen to ¥90 billion (2024) (US$594.58 million) and will include seven new stations. The extension is still projected to open in the mid-2030s.
Tama-Center to Hachioji
[edit]A southward expansion of the monorail line to Hachiōji Station was also considered since the planning phase of the line in the 1980s. The expansion had also been considered to be run as a separate light rail transit line, but was ultimately abandoned in December 2016 citing topographical and technological constraints.[9] As of 2016 the projected cost is ¥190 billion (2016) (equivalent to ¥211.03 billion or US$1.39 billion in 2024)[6].[10]
Tama-Center to Machida
[edit]An extension from Tama-Center to Machida Station has also been considered since the planning phase of the line in the 1980s. As of January 2022, the exact route remains undecided.[11] The most recent estimate determined that the construction would cost ¥170 billion (2016) (equivalent to ¥188.82 billion or US$1.25 billion in 2024)[6].[10]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Monorails for urban transportation" (PDF). Japan Monorail Association. November 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ "おかげさまで開業20周年。多摩モノレールは地域に愛されるブランドづくりを進めます。" [Tama Toshi Monorail Celebrates 20 Years of Operation] (PDF). tama-monorail.co.jp (in Japanese). 10 September 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
- ^ "多摩モノレール全駅に「駅ナンバリング」を導入します!!" ["Station numbering" will be introduced at all stations on the Tama Monorail!!] (PDF). tama-monorail.co.jp (in Japanese). 30 June 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "多摩モノレール「箱根ケ崎延伸」ルート・駅位置が判明 東京都が都市計画手続きに着手" [Tama Monorail "Hakonegasaki Extension" Route and Station Locations Revealed, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Begins Planning Procedures]. news.railway-pressnet.com (in Japanese). 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
- ^ "多摩都市モノレール延伸検討" [Consideration for extension of the Tama urban monorail]. toshiseibi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
- ^ a b c 1868 to 1938: Williamson J., Nominal Wage, Cost of Living, Real Wage and Land Rent Data for Japan 1831-1938, 1939 to 1945: Bank of Japan Historical Statistics Afterwards, Japanese Historical Consumer Price Index numbers based on data available from the Japanese Statistics Bureau. Japan Historical Consumer Price Index (CPI) – 1970 to 2014 Retrieved 30 July 2014. For between 1946 and 1970, from "昭和戦後史". Retrieved 2015-01-24.
- ^ https://www.tetsudo.com/news/3518/
- ^ "東京・多摩都市モノレール延伸が事業認可 上北台―箱根ケ崎、34年度開業めざす". The Nikkei (in Japanese). 27 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ^ "八王子市長、LRT導入を当面見送り 技術上の問題を理由に" [Hachioji mayor postpones introduction of LRT for the time being due to technical problems]. 日本経済新聞 (in Japanese). 16 December 2016. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
- ^ a b "行政・団体". Daily Engineering and Construction News. 21 October 2016. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
- ^ "検討ルート案" [Route plan] (PDF). toshiseibi.metro.tokyo.lg.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)
- Official website (in English)
Tama Toshi Monorail Line
View on GrokipediaOverview
Route and connections
The Tama Toshi Monorail Line extends 16.0 km from its northern terminus at Kamikitadai Station in Higashiyamato to the southern terminus at Tama-Center Station in Tama, running north-south through the western Tokyo suburbs and passing key cities such as Tachikawa, Akishima, and Hino. It serves the planned community of Tama New Town.[5] This fully elevated, double-tracked line employs a straddle-beam design based on Alweg-type monorail technology, providing efficient urban transit across residential and commercial areas.[4][6] Trains operate at a maximum speed of 65 km/h, achieving an end-to-end journey time of approximately 36 minutes.[2][3] The route integrates seamlessly with Tokyo's broader rail network through major interchanges, including Tachikawa-Kita Station for transfers to the JR Chūō Main Line and Ōme Line; Takahatafudō Station for the Keio Sagamihara Line; and Tama-Center Station for connections to the Keio Sagamihara Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, and Seibu Tama Kōsoku Line.[5] Riding the elevated tracks offers panoramic views of suburban western Tokyo, enhancing utilitarian travel while linking to attractions like Tama Zoological Park adjacent to Tama-Center and educational institutions in the Hachiōji vicinity.[5] Daily ridership averaged 131,782 passengers in fiscal year 2023, reflecting steady recovery in suburban mobility post-pandemic.Operator and ridership
The Tama Toshi Monorail Line is operated by Tokyo Tama Intercity Monorail Co., Ltd., a third-sector company established on April 8, 1986, to enhance public transportation in Tokyo's western suburbs. The company holds a capital of 1 billion yen and is majority-owned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which possesses a 79.9% stake; remaining shares are distributed among private entities including Seibu Railway (4.7%), Mizuho Bank (3.1%), Keio Electric Railway (2.6%), Odakyu Electric Railway (1.6%), and other investors such as local municipalities and financial institutions (8.1%).[7] As a joint public-private venture, the operator focuses on service delivery and maintenance of rolling stock, while the Tokyo Metropolitan Government manages track infrastructure and provides ongoing financial support, including annual subsidies to offset operating costs estimated in the billions of yen, ensuring the line's viability amid fluctuating ridership. This governance model reflects broader efforts to balance urban development with sustainable transit in the Tama region.[6][8] Daily ridership averaged approximately 131,000 passengers in the pre-COVID period, supporting suburban commuting to central Tokyo and local tourism; numbers declined to around 100,000 during the pandemic due to remote work trends but have since recovered to about 120,000–130,000 daily, with fiscal year 2023 figures reaching 131,782 amid renewed economic activity. Fares follow a distance-based structure compatible with IC cards like Suica and Pasmo for integrated payments across JR East and private lines, starting at a base of ¥150 for short segments and reaching ¥400 for the full 16 km route. Economically, the line bolsters Tama New Town's growth by facilitating efficient north-south connectivity, alleviating road congestion in densely populated western suburbs, and promoting balanced regional development.[9][10][2]Infrastructure
Track and electrification
The Tama Toshi Monorail Line consists of a 16 km double-track straddle-beam guideway, elevated on columns with no at-grade sections, utilizing prestressed concrete beams in accordance with standards set by the Japan Monorail Association.[11][4][12] This design ensures smooth operations across urban and hilly terrain, with the entire route supported by robust column structures to maintain clearance and stability.[4] Electrification is provided through a 1,500 V DC guideway conductor rail system integrated into the guideway, powering the trains via conductor rails along the full length of the line.[11] The system supports reliable energy delivery for the monorail's articulated trainsets, contributing to efficient suburban connectivity without the need for third-rail infrastructure common in other rail types. Signaling and control are managed by an automatic train control (ATC) system with cab signaling, facilitating safe operations at speeds up to 65 km/h and eliminating level crossings entirely due to the elevated configuration.[13][14] Maintenance facilities include a depot near Takamatsu Station (TT-13), used for vehicle inspections, storage, and operational support via specialized spur lines.[4][2] Safety features incorporate earthquake-resistant design compliant with Japan's Technical Regulatory Standards for Railways, including seismic provisions for structures and emergency evacuation protocols to ensure passenger safety during seismic events.[15]Stations
The Tama Toshi Monorail Line consists of 19 elevated stations along its 16 km route, providing access to residential, commercial, and recreational areas in western Tokyo's suburbs. The stations utilize a numbering system with the "TT" prefix, assigned from TT-01 at the southern terminus to TT-19 at the northern terminus, to simplify identification and wayfinding for passengers. Most stations are equipped with island platforms serving the double-tracked line, enabling cross-platform transfers between directions. Accessibility has been enhanced across the network with elevators and escalators at all stations, implemented progressively since the early 2000s to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. Park-and-ride lots are available at select suburban locations, such as Izumi-Taiikukan Station, to support commuters driving from outlying areas. Key rail interchanges occur at several stations, facilitating connections to JR East, Keio, and Odakyu lines for broader regional travel. Tachikawa-Kita Station (TT-12) serves as a primary hub, linking to JR East's Chūō Main Line (Rapid), Ōme Line, and Nambu Line, and handles substantial peak-hour volumes due to its role in commuter flows toward central Tokyo. Takahatafudō Station (TT-07) offers transfers to the Keio Line, aiding access to Shinjuku and surrounding districts. Tama-Dōbutsukōen Station (TT-05) connects to the Keiō Dōbutsuen Line and provides immediate entry to the Tama Zoological Park, a major attraction drawing visitors for its expansive outdoor exhibits since 1958. At the southern end, Tama-Center Station (TT-01) integrates with the Keio Sagamihara Line and Odakyu Tama Line, functioning as a bustling shopping and entertainment center with adjacent malls and bus terminals. The full list of stations, ordered from north to south, is as follows:| Code | Station Name | Location (City) | Key Features and Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT-19 | Kamikitadai | Higashiyamato | Northern terminus; residential access; basic facilities with elevators and escalators. |
| TT-18 | Sakuragaoka | Higashiyamato | Local residential stop; island platform; serves nearby parks and housing developments. |
| TT-17 | Tamagawa-Jōsui | Higashiyamato | Elevated station near the Tamagawa Aqueduct; standard accessibility features. |
| TT-16 | Sunagawa-Nanaban | Akishima | Suburban residential; island platform; connects to local bus routes. |
| TT-15 | Izumi-Taiikukan | Akishima | Park-and-ride facilities; near Izumi Sports Park; supports athletic events and recreation. |
| TT-14 | Tachihi | Tachikawa | Residential and commercial area; island platform with full accessibility. |
| TT-13 | Takamatsu | Tachikawa | Local stop serving apartment complexes; standard monorail facilities. |
| TT-12 | Tachikawa-Kita | Tachikawa | Major interchange with JR Chūō Main Line, Ōme Line, and Nambu Line; high passenger throughput. |
| TT-11 | Tachikawa-Minami | Tachikawa | Commuter-focused; near Tachikawa Station area; island platform. |
| TT-10 | Shibasaki-Taiikukan | Tachikawa | Adjacent to Shibasaki Sports Park; promotes local sports and community activities. |
| TT-09 | Kōshū-Kaidō | Hino | Along Kōshū Highway; residential with bus connections; accessibility compliant. |
| TT-08 | Manganji | Hino | Quiet residential neighborhood; standard elevated design. |
| TT-07 | Takahatafudō | Hino | Interchange with Keio Line; near Takahatafudō temple; cultural and commuter significance. |
| TT-06 | Hodokubo | Hino | Suburban housing; island platform; local bus integration. |
| TT-05 | Tama-Dōbutsukōen | Hino | Direct access to Tama Zoological Park; interchange with Keiō Dōbutsuen Line; tourist draw. |
| TT-04 | Chūō-Daigaku-Meisei-Daigaku | Hachiōji | Serves Chūō University and Meisei University; student-heavy traffic; educational hub. |
| TT-03 | Ōtsuka-Teikyō-Daigaku | Hachiōji | Near Teikyō University; academic and residential focus; full facilities. |
| TT-02 | Matsugaya | Tama | Residential area; standard stop with accessibility. |
| TT-01 | Tama-Center | Tama | Southern terminus; major shopping hub; interchanges with Keio Sagamihara Line and Odakyu Tama Line; extensive bus and retail connections. |
